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Hikes/United States/California/Angeles National Forest
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
428 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
8.0 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Shoemaker Canyon Road Hike

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Table of contents

The Shoemaker Canyon Road Hike is a fairly laidback adventure in Southern California that follows along a road leading nowhere and offers scenic canyon views. The road was built during the Cold War as an escape route out of the Los Angeles area in the event of a nuclear attack, but was abandoned shortly after construction began. This left an interesting road through Shoemaker Canyon that is mostly used as a hiking route.

Route Description for Shoemaker Canyon Road Hike

Featuring beautifully scenic canyon views and an easy to traverse road that leads nowhere (no traffic!), the Shoemaker Canyon Road Hike is a great option in the Angeles National Forest if you are after a laidback day outdoors.

Setting out from the trailhead at the Shoemaker Viewpoint Day Use Area, you will follow along the road as it leads northeast and into the canyon. Here you will gain a moderate amount of elevation and some beautiful views, as you continue along the well-graded road and pass through several tunnels.

After reaching the end of the second tunnel the road will end, so turn back here and retrace your footsteps back to the gate where you began your adventure.

Getting to the Shoemaker Canyon Road Hike Trailhead

The trailhead for the Shoemaker Canyon Road Hike can be found at the Shoemaker Viewpoint Day Use Area along Shoemaker Canyon Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    Year-Round

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Shoemaker Canyon Road Hike Elevation Graph

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